Stud Spacer

ABSTRACT

A stud spacer. The stud spacer includes an elongated bar having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion includes at least one channel therein. At least one rod extends perpendicularly away from an interior surface of the second portion and is slidably engaged with the channel such that the second portion can selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position. When the second portion is in the extended position, a linear distance between a first end of the elongated bar and a second end of the elongated bar is greater than when the second portion is in the retracted position. At least one fastener is disposed on a lower side of the elongated bar.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/444,662 filed on Jan. 10, 2017. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stud spacers. Specifically, the present invention contemplates a stud spacer having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position along a rod slidably engaged with a channel disposed within the first portion.

Many professionals, such as construction workers, must install studs on framing centers of walls on a regular basis. Frequently, properly installing studs on frames can be difficult and frustrating, as studs may slip along the frame during the installation process, leading to improperly aligned studs. In order to ensure proper alignment of studs, individuals must employ additional tools, such as tape measures and pencils, to mark desired measurements between studs during installation. Frequently, these measurements are inaccurate or difficult to see, leading to additional difficulty in properly installing aligned studs within a frame. Furthermore, should these measurements vary between the upper and lower portions of the frame, studs will be installed at an undesired angle. Therefore, there exists a need for a device that affixes to a frame the ensure proper distance and alignment between adjacent studs.

In light of the devices disclosed in the known art, it is submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the known art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing stud spacers. In this regard, the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of stud spacers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a stud spacer wherein the same can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when installing adjacent studs within a wall at set distances from each other while maintaining a parallel orientation.

The present system comprises an elongated bar having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises at least one channel therein. At least one rod extends perpendicularly away from an interior surface of the second portion, wherein the rod is slidably engaged with the channel such that the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position. A linear distance between a first end of the elongated bar and a second end of the elongated bar is greater when the second portion is in the extended position. The elongated bar further comprises at least one fastener disposed on a lower side thereof. In some embodiments, a handle is disposed on an upper side of the elongated bar. In another embodiment, at least one securing member extends through an upper side of the elongated bar into the channel, wherein the securing member is configured to secure the rod in a desired position along the channel via friction fit when the securing member is actuated. In other embodiments, indicia are disposed along the rod, wherein the indicia are configured to indicate the linear distance when the indicia is aligned with an interior side of the first portion. In yet another embodiment, a pair of rods extend from the interior surface and slidably engage with an opposing pair of channels, such that the pair of rods prevent rotation of the second portion about a longitudinal axis of the elongated bar.

A method of installing adjacent studs using the present system comprises providing a stud spacer having a first portion and a second portion configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position, removably securing a first stud within a frame, placing a first end of the stud spacer flush against the first stud, removably securing the stud spacer to a lower portion of the frame via a fastener disposed on a lower side of the stud spacer, extending the second portion such that a linear distance between the first end and a second end of the stud spacer is a desired distance between a pair of studs, placing a second stud flush against the second end, and removably securing the second stud to the frame. In some embodiments, the method further comprises removably securing a second stud spacer to an upper portion of the frame, wherein the second stud spacer is extended to the desired distance between a pair of studs. In another embodiment, the method further comprises placing the second stud flush against the second stud spacer, such that the second stud is perpendicular to the lower portion and the upper portion of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in the retracted position.

FIG. 1B shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in the extended position.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the lower side of an embodiment of the stud spacer.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the stud spacer. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1A and 1B, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in the retracted position and a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in the extended position, respectively. The stud spacer 11 comprises an elongated bar 12 having a first portion 13 and a second portion 14. The second portion 14 is configured to selectively move between a retracted position (as shown in FIG. 1) and an extended position (as shown in FIG. 2). In this way, a user can adjust a length of the elongated bar 12, wherein the length is defined as a linear distance L between a first end 18 of the elongated bar 12 and a second end 19 of the elongated bar 12. This allows a user to adjust the elongated bar 12 to a desired length, such that adjacent studs installed on either side of the stud spacer 11 are installed at a desired distance from each other. In some embodiments, the stud spacer 11 is adjustable between 13 inches and 24 inches in length, however alternate embodiments adjustable between various other lengths are also contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongated bar 12 further comprises a handle 22 disposed on an upper side 21 of the elongated bar 12. The handle 22 is configured to provide a gripping surface to the user, such that the stud spacer 11 can be easily transported. Additionally, the handle 22 allows a user to easily remove the stud spacer 11 from a frame once the stud spacer 11 has been removably secured thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 13 comprises a greater linear length than the second portion 14, such that the handle 22 can be positioned on the first portion 13 while maintaining a centralized position along the stud spacer 11. In this way, the forces applied by the user to the handle 22 to remove the stud spacer 11 are evenly distributed through the stud spacer 11, while also allowing the second portion 14 to move between the extended position and the retracted position.

As shown in FIG. 1B, at least one rod 16 extends perpendicularly away from an interior surface 17 of the second portion 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the rod 16 extends into the second portion 14 to provide additional structural integrity to the stud spacer 11, ensuring that the rod 16 is securely anchored within the second portion 14. The rod 16 is slidably engaged within a channel 15, wherein the channel 15 is disposed within the first portion 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the stud spacer 11 comprises a pair of rods 16 disposed within an opposing pair of channels 15, wherein the pair of rods 16 are configured to prevent the second portion 14 from rotating about a longitudinal axis of the elongated body 12. In this way, the user can be assured that the first and second portion 13, 14 will be aligned with each other in the extended position, such that the stud spacer 11 can removably secure to the frame at both the first portion 13 and the second portion 14 without additional adjustment by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, the rods 16 further comprise indicia 24 disposed thereon. The indicia 24 are configured to display the linear distance L when the indicia 24 is aligned with an interior side 25 of the first portion 13. This allows a user to easily adjust the linear distance L to a desired length without requiring the user of additional tools, such as a tape measure.

In the illustrated embodiments, the stud spacer 11 further comprises at least one securing member 23 disposed therein. The securing member 23 is configured to extend through the upper side 21 and into the channel 15, such that the securing member 23 can affix the rod 16 in a desired position within the channel 15 via friction fit when the securing member 23 is actuated. In the illustrated embodiment, the securing member 23 comprises a thumb screw in threaded engagement with the stud spacer 11, however alternate securing methods are contemplated, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, ball detent mechanisms, and the like. A plurality of securing members 23 can be used to provide frictional securement along the rod 16 in multiple locations, further preventing the rod 16 from moving within the channel 15. In this way, the stud spacer 11 can be adjusted in length and secured at a desired length, such that the stud spacer 11 maintains the desired length throughout the installation process. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 14 further comprises additional securing members 23 extending towards the rod 16, wherein the second portion 14 is movable along the rod 16, such that the securing members 23 can secure the second portion 14 in various positions along the rod 16 via friction fit. In this way, the stud spacer 11 is capable of increased adjustability.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of the lower side of an embodiment of the stud spacer. The stud spacer further comprises at least one fastener 20 disposed on a lower side 26 of the elongated body, such that the stud spacer can be removably secured to a frame when in use. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners 20 comprise magnets, such that the stud spacer can be removably secured along a metallic frame, however, in alternate embodiments, various alternate fasteners are contemplated. In the illustrated embodiment, at least one fastener 20 is disposed on each of the first portion and the second portion, such that each portion of the stud spacer can be removably affixed to the frame, thereby preventing movement of the stud spacer when in the extended position due to increased torque caused by an increase in length.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a perspective view of an embodiment of the stud spacer in use. In one exemplary use, a user installs a first stud 27 within a frame between a lower portion 29 of the frame and an upper portion 31 of the frame. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper and lower portions 29, 31 comprise metallic tracks configured to receive an end of the first stud 27 therein. The user determines the desired distance between adjacent studs, and extends the stud finder 11 such that the linear distance between the first and second ends 18, 19 is the desired distance. The user then places the first end 18 of the stud spacer 11 flush against the first stud 27, and removably affixes the stud spacer 11 to the lower portion 29. The user then places a second stud 30 flush against the second end 19 of the stud spacer 11, and installs the second stud 30 within the frame. In some embodiments, the user extends a second stud spacer 32 to the desired distance and places the second stud spacer 32 flush against the first stud 27. The user then removably affixes the second stud spacer 32 to the upper portion 31 of the frame. In this way, adjacent studs can be installed parallel to each other quickly and easily, without the need for additional tools, such that the user can be assured that adjacent studs are aligned. The process can then be repeated for additional studs along the frame as desired.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in various embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim: 1) A stud spacer, comprising: an elongated bar having a first portion and a second portion; wherein the first portion comprises at least one channel therein; at least one rod extending perpendicularly away from an interior surface of the second portion; wherein the rod is slidably engaged with the channel such that the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position; wherein a linear distance between a first end of the elongated bar and a second end of the elongated bar is greater when the second portion is in the extended position; at least one fastener disposed on a lower side of the elongated bar. 2) The stud spacer of claim 1, further comprising a handle disposed on an upper side of the elongated bar. 3) The stud spacer of claim 1, further comprising at least one securing member extending through an upper side of the elongated bar and into the channel, wherein the securing member is configured to secure the rod in a desired position via friction fit when the securing member is actuated. 4) The stud spacer of claim 1, further comprising indicia disposed on the rod, wherein the indicia are configured to indicate the linear distance when the indicia is aligned with an interior side of the first portion. 5) The stud spacer of claim 1, wherein a pair of rods extend from the interior surface and slidably engage with an opposing pair of channels, such that the pair of rods prevent rotation of the second portion about a longitudinal axis of the elongated bar. 6) A method of installing adjacent studs using a stud spacer, comprising: providing a stud spacer having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is configured to selectively move between an extended position and a retracted position; removably securing a first stud within a frame; placing a first end of the stud spacer flush against the first stud; removably securing the stud spacer to a lower portion of the frame via a fastener disposed on a lower side of the stud spacer; extending the second portion such that a linear distance between the first end and a second end of the stud spacer is a desired distance between an adjacent pair of studs; placing a second stud flush against the second end; removably securing the second stud to the frame. 7) The method of installing adjacent studs using a stud spacer of claim 6, further comprising removably securing a second stud spacer to an upper portion of the frame, wherein the second stud spacer is extended to the desired distance between an adjacent pair of studs. 8) The method of installing adjacent studs using a stud spacer of claim 7, further comprising placing the second stud flush against the second stud spacer, such that the second stud is perpendicular to the lower portion of the frame and the upper portion of the frame. 